Dhyāna (2007)
(A Song for Nicola)

Working under conductor Nicholas Cleobury, ASMF gave the UK and World premiers of two short works by Sir John Tavener. Dhyana (Meditation) and Song for Athene were both written in 2007, and both suggest a world of repose and contemplation--did Tavener foresee how necessary such a world would be, only two years later? Dyana opens in an appropriately calm manner...and arrives at a melodious conclusion....In this beautiful arrangement, the ASMF strings demontrated Tavener's immense ability to generate an atmosphere and mood by apparently spare and simple means...This was a thoroughly satisfying, if rather short, concert.

As with a significant proportion of Tavener's catalogue, both pieces Dhyana (Meditation) and Song For Athene are odes to the spiritual world, yet different by design if you like. It found the venue bathed in a brooding drama that crept across the audience. From my place high in the stands I could view the crowd's personal reveries while the Academy delievered a prestine a rendition as a recorded CD!